The mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids do not differ from the diacetyl tartaric acid esters of fatty acids (E 472a,b, c,d,f) neither in their chemical composition nor in their effects and applications. They are authorised in the EU as food additives under the number E 472e.
The compounds are produced in a chemical reaction of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids(stearic acids) and acetic and tartaric acid. Like other glycerol esters ( E 472a,b,c,d,e), the mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (MDG) act mainly as emulsifiers. Like the other MDG ester compounds, they are considered harmless and are permitted for all foods. Their use is not limited in quantity. They are mainly used in cakes, biscuits, in puff pastry and ready-made baking mixtures, in bread and foamy desserts.